Bibb County commissioners approve mask mandate in attempt to slow spread of COVID-19
The Macon-Bibb County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution that requires all residents and visitors of Macon-Bibb County to wear a “face covering.”
Commissioners approved the resolution 7-2 Tuesday night, with one of the “yes” votes being an abstention and another with reservations about the mandate.
People are required to wear a mask while practicable outside of their residence and personal vehicles with some exceptions, including:
- Anyone under 10 years of age
- People in a vehicle or other enclosed space that is occupied only by people of the same household
- When exercising outdoors
- When eating, drinking or smoking
- When a mask causes or aggravates a health condition
- When wearing a face covering would prevent the receipt of personal services such as medical, dental or care services
The punishment for not wearing a mask starts at not more than $25 for the first offense and increases to not more than $50 and $100 for the second and third offenses and following offenses, according to the resolution.
The resolution follows a resolution from the Board of Public Health to urge commissioners to pass a mask mandate to protect residents of Macon-Bibb County from the COVID-19 virus.
It also follows controversy from other cities issuing mask mandates, and Gov. Brian Kemp suing the Atlanta City Council and Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms because of the city’s mask mandate, which he said violates his executive order preventing cities from issuing stricter coronavirus safety guidelines.
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 8:58 PM.